Lyon is full of culinary treasures, but finding the right Asian ingredients often requires knowing the best addresses. As a local, I've tried several grocery stores to distinguish the good from the very good. Whether you're looking for specific vegetables, rare sauces, or imported snacks, this selection based on real reviews and personal visits will guide you effectively.
International Store -7/7-Asian Food- LYON
This is an institution in the 7th arrondissement. The sales area is vast and the assortment is impressive, covering almost all Asian cuisines. You can easily find products that are hard to come by elsewhere, with a constant flow of goods ensuring the freshness of perishable items.
Supermarché Asie
Located not far from International Store, this supermarket offers a solid alternative with a more traditional atmosphere. Prices are competitive, and the fruit and vegetable section offers typical varieties like Chinese cabbage and black mushrooms in abundance. It’s a regular stop for families in the neighborhood.
Leaf Market Lyon 7
Leaf Market stands out for its neat presentation and clean environment. The grocery store focuses on the quality of imported products and offers a rigorous selection of prepared dishes and fresh goods. It’s ideal for those looking for a calmer shopping experience while having access to top-notch Korean and Japanese specialties.
Marche d’Asie Lafayette
Located in the 3rd arrondissement, this market meets the needs of residents of Guillotière and its surroundings. The offering is diverse with a focus on dry products and essential condiments for Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. It’s a convenient address for quick shopping without crossing the entire city.
Satsuki
Satsuki is renowned for its specialization in high-end Japanese products. You can find quality green teas, authentic kitchen utensils, and a fine selection of snacks and instant noodles imported directly from Japan. Customer service is often praised for its product knowledge.
ACE GOURMET
In the heart of the 1st arrondissement, ACE GOURMET combines a fine grocery store and restaurant. It’s the perfect place to discover Asian gourmet products, from truffle oils to artisanal soy pasta. The atmosphere is modern, and it’s easily accessible from the pedestrian streets of the historic center.
Les halles du Japon
As its name suggests, this grocery store focuses on the Japanese universe. With a moderate price level, it remains accessible while offering fresh products daily. The frozen section for gyozas and ramen, as well as the selection of Japanese desserts like mochi, are particularly appreciated.
MoA Market - Korea & Japan
In the 8th arrondissement, MoA Market has quickly established itself with a perfect rating on Google. Although newer than the others, it attracts customers with its sharp selection of trendy Korean and Japanese products. It’s the ideal address to keep up with the latest culinary trends from Asia.
Practical Information
To access these locations, the TCL public transport system is efficient. For the 7th arrondissement where International Store, Supermarché Asie, Leaf Market, and Les halles du Japon are concentrated, trams T1 and T2 serve nearby stops like Garibaldi or Place Guichard. The 1st arrondissement (ACE GOURMET) is accessible via metro lines A or C (Cordeliers station). The 3rd arrondissement (Marche d’Asie Lafayette, Satsuki) is well connected by metro line D (Part-Dieu or Blanche station). The 8th arrondissement (MoA Market) benefits from the proximity of metro line B (Place Jean Jaurès station) or tram line T1.
Insider tip: avoid peak hours on Saturday mornings in large stores like International Store, as the crowds can make moving between aisles difficult. Opt for early afternoon slots for a more serene experience. Always check the opening hours on the respective websites before heading out, especially for smaller shops like MoA Market that may adjust their hours seasonally.